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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Jordan think Alexandra would not have the courage to do?

2. What does Jordan do that night at the inn that he originally had not intended to do?

3. Where is Alexandra's father?

4. What does Alexandra think of Hawthorne?

5. Why does Mrs. Lawrence decide to marry off Alexandra?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Jordan see when he looks out the window after being in bed with Lady Catherine Harrington?

2. What does Alexandra hear that spurs her into action?

3. How does Alexandra compare Jordan and herself?

4. What does Alexandra immediately ask when the party arrives at Hawthorne and how does she occupy her time at Hawthorne?

5. What does Sir Roderick Carstairs say in response to Leticia Bildrup's opinion about Elizabeth Grangerfield?

6. What does Mrs. Lawrence say in reply to Jordan's assertion that he is an honorable man?

7. How does Alexandra change physically over the next few months?

8. What does Jordan say about women when he hears Lady's Catherine's indifference?

9. Briefly describe the discussion about caterpillars that Alexandra and her grandfather have.

10. How does Alexandra try to comfort the Dowager Duchess?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as Something Wonderful help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Something Wonderful? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in Something Wonderful to discuss and compare Jordan's or Alexandra's response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 2

Jordan decides to marry Alexandra because he feels gratitude and partly out of pity for her. Discuss the following:

1. List three criteria which you believe are essential for a good marriage. Discuss why you choose those three and then discuss if you believe Jordan and Alexandra's relationship possesses any of those qualities. Use examples from the text.

2. List three criteria which you believe make a successful marriage impossible. Discuss why you choose those three and then discuss if you believe Jordan and Alexandra's relationship possesses any of those qualities. Use examples from the text.

3. Using the three criteria which you list for both a successful marriage and those which would greatly hinder a successful marriage, argue whether or not you believe Jordan and Alexandra's relationship marriage will be successful or a failure based upon the six criteria you cited.

Essay Topic 3

Something Wonderful takes place in and about London, England in the early 1800s. Discuss the following:

1. Research and discuss the political and cultural setting of Europe in the early 1800s. How do you think the cultural milieu informs the plot of Something Wonderful? Explain.

2. Discuss the lives of Jordan and his social group in light of the class structure in England at the time of Something Wonderful. Do their behaviors seem superficial considering that the Napoleonic Wars are ongoing?

3. How would the plot be impacted if the setting were in the United States at that time? How about in England in the 21st century?

4. How important do you think it is to understand the setting of a particularly book? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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